We have this tendency in the coffee shop to either not have much of any system or structure, or have incredibly complex of convoluted systems and structures. In both cases we are guilty of shallow thinking because the purpose of a system is to equip the user with clarity and to make the job, be it a small or large job, eater to accomplish.
What we need is a dedication to what is called the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An MVP, in this case a system that helps your staff get the shop’s work done consistently and well, is created be effective without fluff, without waste. It is created for a specific task and with respect to the people that are responsible for using it. Waste may be wasted words or wasted time in the creation process.
Something to remember, when you don’t have any systems in place, almost anything will better than what you have. Get started and implement something quickly. Yes it has to be well thought out and effective, but don’t fall into the perfectionism that causes so many operators to either do nothing for fear of doing something wrong, or to create something so bloated and complex that it is unusable and intimidating.
How can you get started now and create a simple system for your cafe inventory, cleaning procedures, coffee bean ordering, etc. What is the MVP that will be easy to use and effective all at the same time.
Start small, start soon, and you will soon see a big difference in your business.
-Chris
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